The Design Appointment

Design appointments are critical at Walden’s since we want to tightly script every session for success. Many obstacles to creativity and success are overcome at this appointment. 

Since most people come to us for milestone portraits and pay a premium price for their purchase, they are open to our suggestions. 

We call it a "guided collaboration."  

There are many enemies of creativity and getting the portrait that is expected depends on this appointment where we discuss many of these details, share ideas and most importantly, MAKE A FRIEND!

You can find and download our B&W Relationship Design Appointment PDF in our Store here. 

It is chock full of information for a Relationship B&W portrait.

Learn the story.

An important function of the Design Appointment, especially if the portrait is a black and white Relationship portrait, is to learn the client’s story. 

Why are they coming in at this time?  Is it to celebrate a new baby, birthday, anniversary or adoption? 

We also find out the personalities of each subject so that we know how to best photograph each subject. 

Ask the question, “If this portrait were a chapter in a book on your life, what would the title of this chapter be?” This reveals exactly where the emphasis should be put in the upcoming portrait session. 

It also challenges us as photographers to dig deep and portray their story through our portraits!

Tim often states, "I don't know how it changes me in the camera room when I know the story...but it does!"

We go straight to the heart! 

Our clients know that they are in good hands with us and this portrait will go deeper than a camera smile. It will be a very special reflection of their family and the relationships between its members.

We also use this time to feel our clients out as to what they want to purchase.  Many clients mention wanting a portrait for over the mantle or to hang in the formal living room.  Whatever they mention is noted on the paperwork that is filled out so that the sales person will be able to steer them in the right direction during the sale.

We feel very strongly that the outcome of each portrait rests on doing a Design Appointment for each session-it is very important to our continued success!